I am a current student planning to travel outside the United States. What documents
do I need to reenter the United States after my trip?

A valid SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019.

A passport that is valid for 6 months from the date that you plan to reenter the United
States.

A valid United States entry visa with unused entries--- except for travel to Canada
and Mexico (see below). If you do not have a valid visa, you will have to obtain a
new visa in order to reenter the United States.

A valid signature from the International Student Advisor on page 3 of your SEVIS I-20
or on your DS-2019. The signature must be less than 12 months old at the time you
plan to reenter the United States. We recommend that you obtain a travel signature
every 6 months if you travel frequently.

I am planning to travel to Canada or Mexico. What documents do I need to reenter the
United States?

A valid SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019.

A passport that is valid for 6 months from the date that you plan to reenter the United
States.

A valid signature from the International Student Advisor on page 3 of your SEVIS I-20
or on your DS-2019. The signature must be less than 12 months old at the time you
plan to reenter the United States.

If you stay in Canada or Mexico for less than 30 days, you may reenter the United
States with an expired entry visa under a special provision called “automatic revalidation”.
In order to qualify for this benefit, do not surrender your I-94 Card (usually the
white card stapled in your passport) to immigration or airline officials when entering
Canada or Mexico. If they ask for your I-94 Card, explain that you are staying for
30 days or less and will need it to reenter the United States. When traveling by air,
make a copy of your I-94 card to give to the airline official and keep the original.
You are not eligible for automatic revalidation if:

You are a citizen of a country that the Department of State (DOS) has determined to
be a sponsor of terrorism. The list of countries is updated periodically in a report
from the Department of State titled “Country Reports on Terrorism.” As of November
2012, the list includes Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria.

You apply for a visa while you are in Canada or Mexico. You will not be allowed to
reenter the United States if your visa is denied.

You may need an entry visa to enter Canada or Mexico. Please consult with the Mexican
or Canadian Consulate before your trip.

I am planning to travel outside the United States and am currently in an immigration
authorized period of Optional Practical Training (OPT)? Can I travel outside the United
States safely and return? What documents do I need to reenter the United States?

The current practice is to allow students on OPT to return to the United States after
a short trip overseas with the documentation listed below. Please remember that the
immigration officer at the port of entry makes the final decision regarding your reentry
to the United States.

A passport that is valid for 6 months from the date that you plan to reenter the United
States.

A valid United States entry visa with unused entries. If you do not have a valid visa
with unused entries, it will be extremely difficult to obtain a new visa and return
to the United States. If your visa is expired, we recommend that you remain in the
United States for the duration of your OPT.

A letter from your employer explaining that you are taking a short vacation and are
expected to return to work.

A valid signature from the International Student Advisor on page 3 of your SEVIS I-20
or DS-2019. The signature must be less than 6 months old at the time you plan to reenter
the United States.

My entry visa is expired or will expire soon. Do I need to renew it?

You only need to renew the visa stamp in your passport if you are traveling outside
of the United States. As long as you maintain your F-1/J-1 student status (see Maintaining” F-1/J-1 student status) and are remaining in the United States, it is not necessary to renew your visa.

How do I apply for a new entry visa?

Please take the following items with you if you are traveling and will need to apply
for a new visa in order to reenter the United States. Information about visa applications
and fees is available at www.travel.state.gov.

Any items the United States Embassy/Consulate requests. We recommend reviewing the
website of the Embassy/Consulate at which you plan to apply.

Official transcripts from University of California, Riverside.

A good standing letter that verifies current full time enrollment. This letter can
be obtained from your academic department or the International Education Center (IEC).

Financial documentation, such as an official bank letter from your sponsor, or an
original letter from your funding department, verifying the amount specified on your
SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019. If your funding has changed significantly, you will need to
request an updated SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 from the IEC before you return home to apply
for a new visa. See the “SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 Request Form” available in our office.

A valid signature from the International Student Advisor on your SEVIS I-20 or DS-2019.
The signature must be less than 12 months old at the time you plan to reenter the
United States.

Can I apply to renew my visa in Canada or Mexico?

It is possible to renew your visa in Canada or Mexico. However, if your visa is denied
for any reason, you will not be allowed to reenter the United States. Citizens of
certain foreign countries are not eligible to apply for a visa in Canada or Mexico.
Visa appointments can be scheduled at the following website: www.travel.state.gov Please note that the Mexican government considers applying for a visa in Mexico as
“official business”. This means that an entry visa for Mexico will probably be required.
Please contact the Mexican Consulate for more information.

How long will it take to get a new visa?

The time that it takes to get a new visa varies. Overseas consulates and embassies
are required to give in person interviews to the majority of visa applicants by law.
There are also security clearances that must take place for each visa applicant. Therefore,
it could take 6 to 8 weeks from the time of your interview for the visa to be processed.
In some circumstances, it may take longer. We recommend consulting with the embassy/consulate
where you plan to apply for a visa well in advance. Whenever possible, schedule an
appointment before you leave the United States.

If you are in a field that could be considered “technologically” sensitive, or have
ever been arrested in the United States, please consult with the Assistant Director
for International Student Programs before making any travel plans.

My passport will expire or has expired. How do I renew it?

You can renew your passport in the United States at the embassy/consulate of your
home country. An official listing of consular offices in the United States can be
found at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco.

More Information

General Campus Information

University of California, Riverside900 University Ave.Riverside, CA92521
Tel: (951) 827-1012